Best Affordable Outerwear – Fall/Winter 2013

October 28, 2013 By Joe| Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Here's why.

One of the best things about fall and winter is that you get to wear your favorite coat almost every day. A good coat is like a good suit. Put it on and you feel darn near invincible. The following options should help most of us get that nearly invincible feeling for an affordable price (some are more affordable than others). Just don’t go testing out your new found outerwear-fueled feelings of indestructibility by taking on traffic. It’s a coat. Not a flashing 8-bit star (<– NSFW language). Sizes shown are Medium or 38 unless otherwise noted. Head here for a fit perspective.

Has gone for as low as $124, but that was during a rare 50% off sale. This camel topcoat really is a true camel color in person. Not that washed out pale shade that’s on the Factory website. It’s a nice mid-weight, and the cut is awfully good… but the covered placket won’t be a home run with everyone. It has a tendency to splay open just a bit. But still a winner for under $150.

Even though we’re sneaking up on Halloween, not all BR Brick and Mortar’s have their late fall outerwear lines out on the floor quite yet. So this one is still a bit of a mystery. If it’s like BR coats of the past, it’ll fit great… but not be the warmest. 72% wool and well reviewed online. Meanwhile, the camel trench had some not-so-kind reviews on BR’s website.

The Cheap Quilted: American Eagle – $89.95 (but often on sale)

Check in store on this one. At 30% off, it drops to a Target-like $62.97. It’s pretty simple, not the strongest feeling thing in the world, but it’s cut slim and the dark navy is a go-with anything color. Want something a little brighter? Try their cotton barn jacket, which plays off the color blocking trend.

Anyone else have their fingers crossed that this is either the real deal, or, becomes active some time in the future? And season specific pieces like overcoats end up there? Word is that it’s not set up yet, and might not get set up at all. But, that’s all rumor. Glen Plaid shouts a little, but it doesn’t scream. Expensive.

On a tight budget and your local Army/Navy surplus has already been picked over? These aren’t a bad option in the least. The charcoal color looks sharp, the fit is true to size and they’re nice and warm. 65% wool exterior. Herringbone poly interior. Feels well constructed. Buttons are crummy plastic, but otherwise, awfully nice for double digits. Better than the thin peacoats you’ll find in the low $100s at Macy’s or JC Penney.

Not cheap for not having arms, BUT… it’s all kinds of right. Fabric is a cotton/nylon blend that keeps the poly-shine you see on puffer jackets knocked down to a minimum. The loft of the quilting is under control too. No life-preserver stuff here. The key that makes this vest is the button tabs on the back, which you can cinch down and prevent that barrel-man look so many vests deliver. Consider sizing down. Size shown is a small, but a small was just a touch too tight on my frame. *How do you get this price?Buy some socks at $14.50. That pushes your purchase over the $150 threshold that you need to knock 25% off with SHOPNOW. Code expires on 10/30. Meanwhile, there’s a cheaper, all poly option over at Factory.

Not bad, but a bit of a disappointment around the collar. It’s a little lifeless. Lots of flopping. Mid to lightweight fabric that might leave some a little cold. Perfect length and a nice off the rack fit. Often on sale, but even with codes + promos, you’re probably better off heading in the direction of UNIQLO (more on them a few scrolls down).

Already half off but these have dipped lower before. Still kicking around from last year. Great looking pattern, wool blend, standard Bomber layout.

Boden Quilted Jacket – $148.00 – $158.40

The wool blend option just went on sale, which is rare for that particular model of jacket. BUT… see jb2’s review in the comments of this post over here. Big fan, personally, of the nylon option I picked up last year in olive.

To all the Menswear Terminology purists: Calm down. No, it’s not a “True” chesterfield. No contrast back to the collar here. But what it IS, is an outstanding, well cut, single breasted topcoat for under a hundred bucks. But it’s a featherweight. Don’t expect this thing to keep you nice and toasty if the temps are under 25. Prepare to layer. But yeah, it’s a looker. Available in grey, black, or navy. Slightly tapered fit out of the box. 70% wool and 30% poly exterior.

Flat out stunned by how good this thing is out of the box. Key: SIZE UP. Topman runs small. So follow the advice of Nordstrom.com and order a size up. Size shown here is a Large. Chest high hand warmer pockets, a good & thick 45% wool, 24% poly, 23% viscose (and some other miscellaneous debris) fabric that doesn’t feel cheap. All poly lining. Has a nice cut to it’s shape and nice and trim arms. Marled color to it. Tabs at the sleeves but no epaulets for those who hate epaulets. And a belt that only has two loops on the back, so feel free to either tie it behind you, wear it like a standard trench, or just ditch the belt all together. Ships and returns free though Nordstrom. A little darker in person than shown here.

Now available in Charcoal and black, as well as the Bond-specific navy. All but the charcoal is backordered. Nice thing about Billy Reid is that these weren’t excluded from their most recent Friends and Family sale. So, if one of these is on your want-list, start saving now and hang out for the next F&F. The patience should save you 20% off.

The annual nudge to go check out your local surplus store if you’ve got one nearby. Most, if not all, carry high quality, usually made in the USA outerwear. If some coats have buttons that are too showy, like on the Bridge Coat on the right, the price tag should be low enough that swapping out the buttons would be well worth it. Both of these were found for the low $100s.

Additions from you guys? What do you have your eye on? Leave it all below. Stay warm.

Picked up the BR Donegal Topcoat a few weeks back with a 40% code and rewards discount, which brought it down to around $150, and for that price it’s perfect. Fit is outstanding, almost exactly the same cut as their Tailored Fit blazers, but too trim to pull off a sportcoat underneath.

Like the review said, not too thick, but should be adequate enough fitting over a layered sweater and button-up, especially since the majority of the wear will be straight from the car into the office.

Old Navy has a decent Wool-Blend Zip Jacket. I picked one up during one of their 40% off sales a couple weeks ago. It was a no-brainer at almost $40. It hasn’t been extremely cold yet, but it kept me very warm especially when paired with gloves and a scarf. It might be another affordable option.

Great list Joe thanks – one thing I could use though is affordable, warm and covers the legs (usually you can only get affordable). For those of us who gets lots of snow to brush off of cars something that doesn’t soak your legs is a plus.

I am still kicking myself for passing on a Baltic service Swedish peacoat 20 years ago. I want the sort of coat that stands up by itself.

Am I the only one waiting for coats that come down to their knees again? If I want a coat that only covers my butt I’ll just wear my pea coat.

Having said that, I tried on a Billy Reid pea coat and was surprised at how roomy it was. Based on a lot of the comments online I had expected them to be super-slim. I suspect that there may be some…variability to the sizing between individual coats. I tried on two of the same size and there was a noticeable difference in fit in the chest.

If I was to get my first quilted jacket, should I go with jcrew broadmoor, boden nylon option or massimo dutti? I feel as though massimo duti has the highest quality… Also, which one feels more substantial?

Just a quick note on the Billy Reid coat: Both coats are the same, $600.00 price but the Navy option (and I have a feeling this is may have contributed to the charcoal’s popularity) is now a wool/nylon blend (80/20). Kind of crazy for the price.

Are you tall? There are plenty of coats on the list that hit a few inches above the knee. I’m with you, and prefer knee to a few inches above length. But shin length probably won’t be coming back any time soon.

The BR donegal one looks most tempting to me. I may see if I can find the Topman one at a local Nordstrom to try on. That one looks really good too but I’m kind of a tweener on size between small and medium so I’d prefer to try it on in person. I’ve had that J Crew vest for a few years now – it’s great but I don’t think I paid $114 for it – more like $90 tops. It layers really well – you can pop it on under a trench coat for some extra warmth on cold raining days. It’s thin enough that it even looks OK under a sportcoat. Very versatile.

I’ve been looking at that Boden Quilted Jacket at least once a day for the last 2 weeks it seems as I absolutely love the look of the jacket. However, I’m a tall, lanky dude (15 1/2–36/37, 32w36l) and have a feeling it’s going to be too wide (chest/hips) and too short (sleeves) at the same, which is why I haven’t pulled the trigger.

I read jb2/Richard/Joe’s discussion in the linked article, so perhaps one of you can tell me to steer clear or give it a try based on my build (or lack thereof)?

I pulled the trigger on the Boden quilted jacket last year, and it’s still my go-to jacket for fall and early winter. The medium fits very well (5’11”-170), and I’ve had issues with Boden running large before, actually everything else I’ve ordered from Boden. Also, while not a critical issue since I really enjoy the jacket, but this is one of the coats I’ve gotten compliments on almost every time when wearing. Also, are outerwear vests still a thing that people wear?

I am surprised not to see the J. Crew Dock pea coat with Thinsulate. 25% off right now so you can pick it up for 216$. It feels much warmer than my older Lands End Peacoat, not to mention a much better fit.

Joe, any tips on whether or not to size down with the JC Factory camel? It says it’s designed to go over their suiting. A 40 in their wool Thomson jacket fits me nearly perfectly. Will a 40 overcoat with them fit comparably or should I consider sizing down?

Apologies in advance for the long post, but I figure the more info, the better.

On the Boden quilted (charcoal wool), I purchased one a few weeks ago and it has quickly become my go-to jacket for the fall/winter. It’s a touch warmer than I anticipated (moreso than your usual cotton/nylon/poly quilted, given the wool and lining), but perfectly good for cooler fall and not sub-zero winter weather.

They do run large, so make sure to look at their actual sizing info when ordering (which are true measurements I believe, as opposed to “sizing” measurements). I ordered a large as a 6’3 225, ‘former athlete’–neither in great, nor out of, shape–guy who wears a 44L, 36 sleeve, 36 waist, and it’s roomy but not bad in terms of fit for my size/shape. Given that it’s a winter coat, I also want some room for actual layering underneath so it hits right in that sweet spot for me. Additionally, the sleeves are longer than most I’ve seen on jackets but I like where they hit for me. Admittedly it may not be trim enough for the skinnier folks on here / those who want tight jackets.

As for the sleeves, I don’t have any issues with the sleeve lining or the snap wrists. On the model I received, the snap wrists have a button you can undo, and I actually just let that button and the elastic band go inside the inner inner cuff and it’s like its barely there now (and I didn’t have to cut anything).

Overall, I’m very happy with the purchase and enjoy that, unlike many of the quilted options (Barbour, etc.), I am the only person that I’ve seen here in NYC with the coat. Lots of compliments already on it as well from guys and girls alike, for what it’s worth.

Posted my review a few minutes after your post. You may have an issue of choosing between trying to get slim enough and still having enough length. If anything I’d check out a medium at your size and see what you think. A large gives me a great fit and sleeves a bit longer than I usually see, so the medium may get you there (or at least close). It is generally a shorter jacket in the body than most of mine, but that’s part of its style moreso than it being cut too short.

Also, the stores only have the Navy pea coat. As per their rep, the other colors are only available online. Also, the images on J Crew’s website have been updated for the Charcoal & Dried Olive colors; the Dried Olive looks rather dull and truly a “dried” color.

I own that topman will trench and I love it! The fit is perfect as joe said. And even though it’s a wool blend I’m surprised at its weight. It’s quite a heavy coat. Only been cold enough in Vancouver to wear once but it kept me nice and warm. Canadian price is 164 vs 180… Also picked up a olive quilted jacket from the gap outlet here for 50 bucks. Corduroy collar and lining on the pockets and down the front, pretty sweet deal.

When it gets really cold, function over form, my friend. Get a nice heavy freaking ski jacket. My wool peacoat works in Minnesota and North Dakota (not too far from Canada) most of the winter. But for those below zero days (and weeks…): Columbia Ski Jacket. Doesn’t look amazing, but boy is it warm.

I’m gonna say ditto on the endorsement for the J.Crew Broadmoor Quilted Jacket.
After debating between the ones recommended by Joe, definitely have to say it’s a solid jacket. (5’7″, 155, small size fit for me)

Interesting. Gap has some nice looking outerwear right now but I’ve had such terrible time with their fits. Small in the arms, too big in the body. Just wonky porportions. I’m buying the bigger sizes though so YMMV.

This is something I’ve noticed with their shirts. The shoulders are always way too trim. I sized up in the peacoat, and the shoulders and body both fit perfect. Weirdly, though, if I size up in their shirts, the body is enormous even though the shoulders fit.

Couldn’t agree more. Picked it up almost a month ago. Has become my go-to casual fall jacket. Not incredibly warm, but insulates well with layers. Fit is extremely flattering. 6’4″, 180 and the medium is a perfect fit.

I’m right there with you and Sigtweed, being in San Diego. Thinking about grabbing the Uniqlo topcoat since it should work well down here. I already own too many coats, and umbrellas, for someone that lives in southern California though.

Thanks for the detail! I’m 6’5”, 170 lbs and everything on my torso is probably a medium, except for my damn arms, which is always the hesitation when purchasing outerwear/clothes in general. Philip’s comment below has me scared to try the medium though… same weight, but i have 6 inches of height.

I’d love to see a functional coat for those with real jobs (I say this not to incite but to induce gentlemanly banter). I’m a field engineer and split time between onsite and office, and something that’s durable yet professional is the goal. Anyone else come across something?

I think any of them provided the fit is spot on, that is key. I’m a big guys so I identify with your plight. While rationale might lead you to believe that a double breasted coat wouldn’t be advisable, it’s actually not totally true. A well cut DB can still look great on a larger man. Obviously the thicker the coat, the more heft it will add but a dark color and trim fit is always going to look great. Depending on where you carry your weight, the style might require some consideration. For example, a higher cut, peak lapel style will accentuate and broaden the shoulders and can take a little bit of focus off the stomach. Hope this helps. If all else fails, a trim cut single breasted version in navy is probably the safest bet.

Depending on your budget, anything in a waxed cotton or variant will probably hiold up well in the elements. Otherwise, something with nylon or other water repelling materials would work. I;d recommend looking into a field jacket style made of weather-ready material. They’d look sharp but also hold up well in the elements without looking too “sporty” or parka-like. Not that there is anything wrong with a parka per-se…

I’m not sure what your criterias are for functional. I have the Eddie Bauer version of the LL Bean Nor-easter Commuter Coat. For a more stylish coat, I grab my Burberry trench but it’s not “affordable”. The J Crew University coat is stylish yet can take a beating but it is 100% dry clean only wool. If I’m in a muddy/dirty area, I grab my western duster. Very functional, easy to clean with a brush, but probably not stylish unless you’re in Texas and driving a truck.

I tried on the medium and its almost a perfect fit but I’m afraid it might be a tad tight if I wanted to layer at all. Naturally there was no large to compare to. Does anyone know if this jacket will shrink much? I’m 6’2″, 185 for reference.

I was about to say, if that Zara is warm at all, it would look damn good in places cold enough that a fur collar doesn’t look out of place. Washington DC, where a snowflake can shut down the government? Not so much.

I’ve had a Merona Peacoat for several years, surprisingly warm and durable. I still keep it around but don’t wear it often as I bike all year round (after 4-5 yrs the insides around the armpits are ripped from stretching caused by reaching for handlebars, but the outside still looks prestine) I highly recommend it for hte price and look.

It’s a pretty good fit for me, pretty snug in the arms and chest but still allows movement. I don’t think this jacket would fit a suit under it; I tried the jacket with a sweater + the vest mentioned in the post and it was a snug fit. I don’t wear suits often. I think you should try it out at your local j crew store (they only stock navy in stores). Word of caution: the navy is a lot closer to black. Hope this helps.

One of my best buddies has a Massimo Duti and it honestly looks incredible. The physical feel of the material is better than expected also. The leather trim he has on it is very substantial thick leather, so my guess is this kind of quality is present in all their products.

Either get a super parka (which I don’t like the look of either) or layer. I buy my coats big enough for a blazer or sweater (or both) and then live with the fact that no one sells a warm enough wool coat. I found a fantastic duffel coat last year at the end of season but I was too short of cash to pull the trigger. Maybe this year in January.

Just lucked up and caught the Thompson camel topcoat on clearance for under $80 with the SALE40 code. They only have them in a size 40 last I checked. But the all black version has a few more size options.

I’ve been wearing that Topman trenchcoat as part of my regular rotation for about 5 months now, and I can say that it’s pretty damn good. Super comfortable, feels substantial, great fit, and has a great visual texture. You’ll have to layer if you’re looking to survive a Canadian winter, but that’s to be expected. The only knock against it that the collar, when popped to ward off the wind, starts to droop a bit after a month or two of wear.

A coworker of mine owns the burgundy variant – it’s also quite nice, but I feel like it loses some versatility/formality (thanks to the coloration) and some texture (it doesn’t have the mottled look of the grey one).

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